“JL’s Hymn No. 2”—Play a Beautiful New Solo Work by John Leventhal
This lovely piece is played in a nonstandard tuning, with the sixth and fifth strings tuned down to C and G, and a capo at the second fret.
Sharpen Your Rhythm Guitar Skills by Learning to Read Rhythmic Notation
Practicing rhythmic fundamentals can show immediate results and also gives you a structure to internalize new rhythmic patterns.
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How to Play “Hey There Delilah” by the Plain White T’s
This arrangement is based on the original studio recording, which spotlights a fingerpicked acoustic guitar.
John Leventhal Gets a Surprise Birthday Present: Johnny Cash’s 1940 Martin D-18
Cash used this guitar in the series of critically acclaimed studio albums he made with producer Rick Rubin.
Learn a Modern Solo Guitar Arrangement of the Classic Cowboy Ballad “When the Work’s All Done This Fall”
This interpretation honors the original melody of this 100-year-old tune while rendering it with a flatpicking approach that nods toward more contemporary figures.
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Guitar Lesson: 10 Seminal Moments in Fingerstyle Guitar History
In this feature-lesson, we’ll explore ten key recordings and artists who have significantly shaped the landscape of modern fingerstyle guitar.
Where to Place a Strap Button, Bolt-on vs. Dovetail Neck Joints, and More Guitar Advice from Luthier Frank Ford
Ford contributed many articles in the early to mid-2000s, and here is a sampling of the sage advice he offered.
Review: Fishman’s Lightweight Loudbox Micro Acoustic Amp Packs a Punch
Whether I fingerpicked, played bluesy lead lines, or dug into percussive strumming, the Micro delivered a clean and detailed sound.
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Tackling “The Locktender’s Reel”—A Modern Fiddle Tune by Guitarist Eric Skye
Inspired by Skye's Pennsylvania childhood, this wistful and captivating tune is increasingly played at bluegrass and old-time gatherings.
Classical Guitar Phenom Jiji and Her Polystylistic Adventures
The South Korea born guitarist/composer reflects on her diverse influences, shares practice techniques, and previews some upcoming projects.
These Four Young Players Are Advancing the Art of Fingerstyle Guitar
Fingerstyle guitar is in good hands, judging by the diverse talents of Jontavious Willis, Janet Noguera, Hayden Pedigo, and Muireann Bradley.
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Remembering Innovative Guitar Repair Guru Frank Ford
The legacy Ford leaves behind is much greater than just the story of his work—it is also one of community, innovation, education, and friendship.
Acoustic Blues Basics: Using Open Strings to Boost Your Soloing
Here you'll learn a few cool licks that go beyond the minor pentatonic scale—and how to put them to use for your own leads and improvisations.
9 Tips for Avoiding Overuse Injuries on Guitar—and Getting More Out of Your Practice Sessions
Creating a productive and healthy practice routine can be very helpful in avoiding or reducing overuse-related issues.
Review: The Martin GPCE Inception Maple Looks to the Future of Tonewoods and Guitar Design
Using sustainable domestic tonewoods paired with an innovative bracing design, the Inception is a great-sounding instrument that is easy to play.
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Chris Eldridge Revisits His Bluegrass Roots with Mighty Poplar
“Critter” chats about his bluegrass travels, lessons learned from Tony Rice, and the discovery of his holy grail guitar.
A Fun Guitar Arrangement Inspired by Bobby Darin’s Swinging Cover of “Mack the Knife”
What really sets this version apart is the use of five half-step modulations that keep raising the tension with each pass through the song.
Review: Fingerstyle Virtuoso Tim Sparks Reinvents Classic Tunes on Brilliant New Trio Outing ‘Lost and Found’
You may think you know these songs, but Sparks and company take them to unpredictable and unexpected places.